How To Extend a Tourist Visa in Medellin
Medellin
Last updated April 25, 2012
Upon entry into Colombia, the Immigrations officer will usually give you 60 days for your initial tourist visa. The amount of time is at the officer’s discretion, so there’s always the possibility it could be more (90 days) or less (30 days).
Reports from travelers as recently as April 2012 indicate 90 days may be the new standard for both new arrivals, as well as renewals.
A tourist visa allows you up to 180 days per calendar year in the country. After your initial time is up, you can use the process below to extend your visa for up to a total of 6 months. There are two scenarios to be aware of when planning your time in the country.
Scenario 1
You arrive on January 1, 2012 and are given a 60-day visa. You then extend your visa up to the maximum 6 months per calendar year. You must then leave the country by June 30, 2012 and cannot return until the start of the following calendar year, January 1, 2013.
Scenario 2
You arrive on September 1, 2012 and are given a 60-day visa. You then extend your visa through December (4 months total), and do so again in January 2013 to get you through February. You must then leave the country by February 28, 2013 because you are not allowed to stay in the country for more than 180 consecutive days, despite the change in calendar years.
There are a variety of easy ways to leave and come back, including border runs to Venezuela, or quick flights to Quito, Ecuador or Panama City.
Once you return to Colombia in March 2013, you’ll get an additional 60 days on arrival, and can then renew your visa for up to an additional 2 months (for 6 months total in 2013).
Steps Required for Your First Tourist Visa Extension (in Medellin)
ALL steps listed below
Steps Required for Additional Visits
Step 1 (bank deposit) + visit to Unidad Administrativa Especial Migracion Colombia office (formerly known as DAS) w/passport & deposit slip
How to Extend a Tourist Visa in Medellin
1. Visit any Banco Occidente to deposit the Unidad Administrativa Especial Migracion Colombia fee.
- Amount: 75,050 pesos (about $42, bring cash)
- Account name: Unidad Administrativa Especial Migracion Colombia
- Account number: 263-05464-5
- Referencia 1: 103 (the code for tourist visas)
- Referencia 2: Passport number
- You may be asked for a phone number to make the deposit
- Keep the deposit slip, you’ll need to present it at the DAS office
Don’t rely on the bank branch to have this information. Bring it yourself.
2. You will need 1 visa style (3 x 4 cm) photo with your head against a blue background. If you do not have any, go to a photography store (available in all the big malls) and get a few printed off, or look for the small tienda near the DAS office which does them too.
3. Make photocopies of the following:
- 1 copy of the information page in your passport
- 1 copy of the page with the your entry stamp to Colombia
- 1 copy of the bank deposit slip
- 1 copy of the completed ”Formato Unico de Tramites – Actualization” form
4. Bring your original passport, photo, and documentation to the DAS office.
- Address: Calle 19 80A – 40, Barrio Belén, Medellin
- Phone: +57 (4) 345 – 5500
- Office Hours: 8 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. As of November 2010, the office was closed from 12 pm – 2 pm for lunch. The office is also closed for national holidays.
5. Proof of onward travel. I’ve renewed my tourist visa a total of 12 times from 2009 to 2011, and never been asked for this information. In 2011, I recall an official telling me it was no longer required, but you never know. If you don’t have the documentation, you can either create something in the event they ask you, or simply tell them you intend to travel overland by bus to Ecuador.
6. Check in at front gate and leave some form of identification (driver’s license or cell phone).
7. Walk straight into the office on the front facade of the building, and present yourself to the receptionist who will verify you have the appropriate documentation, and if so, give you an application form to fill out, and direct you to take a seat at the end of the queue.
The application form requires:
- Basic biographical information, as well as your phone number and the address where you’re staying (hostel, hotel or apartment rental address will suffice). If you need to leave your cell phone at the front gate, make sure you remember your number or have it written down.
- Name, address, and telephone number of a Colombian who can testify to knowing you.
8. When it’s your turn, go up to the open window and answer any questions asked. Be respectful, and if the worker doesn’t speak English and you have questions, see if anyone else in the office or waiting room can assist. Usually there is at least one other bilingual person waiting in line who can help.
9. You will be fully fingerprinted and asked to return in X number of days to pick up your passport.
10. Return to the DAS office when directed to pick up your passport.
Subsequent extensions, up to a maximum of 6 months per calendar year, should be easier now that you are in the system! You will only need to make the bank deposit, and then visit the office with your passport and bank deposit slip to get the 30-day extension.
You can follow a similar process in cities around Colombia. For a full list of offices, visit the new Migracion Colombia website.
Tourists who overstay their visa will be required to pay a fine before existing the country. If you are flying out, you’ll need to pay this fine at the airport before you can pass through Immigration. For examples of fines paid, visit this post.
If any of this information is incorrect or out-of-date, please contact me with the details.
Last updated April 25, 2012
